Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science

Connect human performance research to careers in health, fitness, or rehabilitation.

Uncover the science of human movement and prepare for a high-impact career with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science from the University of Indianapolis. Whether you are aiming for immediate entry into the health and wellness industry or further education in sports medicine, our program provides the rigorous academic foundation and practical skills needed to improve lives through physical activity.

Program Overview

The Exercise Science major at UIndy prepares aspiring professionals for careers in sports medicine, health, and wellness. Customize your education to focus on kinesiology, sports, or fitness, and easily add related minors.


You merge deep scientific knowledge with practical application, ensuring you graduate ready to meet the demands of an evolving health landscape. Key partnerships with health and sports organizations provide you with valuable internship opportunities in real-world settings such as occupational therapy or physical therapy offices.

Highlights:

100% Graduate Placement In higher education or employment in a related field or military service, one year after graduation
94% Pass Rate On the Exercise Physiologist Exam
Until 2028 Accredited by CAAHEP

Curriculum and Requirements

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program include general education and core courses that merge biological theory and clinical practice in practical applications. Through coursework with various projects and clinical experience opportunities, explore biomechanics, physiology, and nutrition. You can then further tailor your studies by choosing one of three pre-professional pathways: physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training.

Review the complete curriculum and requirements:

Build the prerequisites and prepare for doctoral studies through a three or four-year track in Pre-Physical Therapy.

Exercise Science majors can lay the groundwork for Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree programs with tailored curriculum options.

Focus on the foundational clinical skills required for advanced athletic training graduate degrees.

At UIndy, the laboratory is your classroom. You will gain proficiency using industry-standard equipment in our Human Performance Lab and Human Movement Lab. These facilities allow you to conduct research and analyze performance data, often in collaboration with local organizations ranging from collegiate athletics to public safety agencies.

Kinesiology and Sport Science Internships

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Pathways to Exercise Science Certifications

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science program strategically prepares you to, upon graduation, become eligible to pursue in-demand kinesiology and exercise science certifications by such nationally recognized organizations as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association:

  • Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
  • Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C)
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
3 photos showing students using equipment in the human performance lab

Meet Your Faculty

With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you will work alongside instructors who are active researchers and experienced practitioners in kinesiology and sports medicine. These professors will connect you with their network for internship opportunities and are dedicated to helping you master complex topics and transition seamlessly to graduate school.

Salary and Job Outlook

A bachelor’s in exercise science leads to careers in human performance, preventative health, and community wellness. Master the mechanics of movement and physiology and find success as a corporate wellness coordinator, strength and conditioning coach, fitness manager, or exercise physiologist.

Exercise physiologists—who analyze patient health to develop fitness programs—earn a national average annual salary of $58,160 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). They work in various settings, including:

  • Hospital-based rehabilitation centers
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Collegiate athletic departments
  • Private sports performance labs
Your bachelor’s degree offers immediate entry into the health and fitness industry and serves as a robust foundation for graduate studies in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training. For example, athletic trainers are currently projected to experience an 11% career growth rate, reflecting the demand for highly trained experts in injury prevention and specialized rehabilitation across the lifespan.

Activities and Opportunities

In addition to lab work, you can build your professional network through related student organizations and service learning opportunities with community partners. These experiences offer valuable chances for leadership development, community service, and peer-to-peer learning.

Admissions and Aid 

The University of Indianapolis provides a clear path to your degree with a streamlined, test-optional admissions process. We are committed to making a premier health science education attainable; 99.6% of our students receive financial aid, helping you focus on your studies rather than your tuition.

Learn More About the BS in Exercise Science

Take the next step toward becoming a leader in kinesiology, health, and rehabilitation as an Exercise Science major at the University of Indianapolis. With access to top certification preparation and a legacy of graduate success, UIndy provides the environment you need to turn your dedication into a lifelong career, facilitating movement for the communities you care about.

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